7 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips You Need to Know

As we gather to celebrate the holidays—a season of gratitude, reflection, and connection—we at Assumed extend our heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones. This time of year is filled with joy, but it’s also one of the busiest shopping seasons, with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and endless holiday discounts tempting us at every turn. Stay safe with these essential holiday shopping safety tips.

While chasing deals can be exciting, it’s also the perfect storm for scammers. Fraudulent websites, phishing emails, fake delivery texts, and AI-powered scams are surging in 2025. That’s why we want to share a gentle reminder: protecting your personal information is just as important as finding the perfect gift.

✨ Beware the “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deal

Holiday shopping often comes with offers that seem irresistible. But if a deal demands personal information or payment through unusual methods (like wire transfers, Zelle, or cryptocurrency), pause and reconsider. Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated fake websites and deepfake ads to mimic legitimate retailers.

Unless you’re hunting for canned Spam (in which case, carry on proudly), remember: the wrong click could lead to identity theft or financial loss.

👉 Learn more from the FTC’s guide on avoiding online shopping scams.

🔐 Core Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

To stay safe this season:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can help.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible—it’s one of the simplest ways to block account takeovers.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited emails or texts. Delivery scams are rampant; always check directly with the retailer or carrier.
• Shop only on secure connections. Look for https:// and the padlock icon in your browser.

🛒 More Secure Shopping Tips

Here are expanded holiday shopping safety tips for 2025:

• Verify Retailer Authenticity: Stick to reputable retailers. If exploring a new store, research reviews and contact details.
• Monitor Accounts Frequently: Set up transaction alerts to catch fraudulent activity quickly.
• Think Before You Click Ads: Social media scams are increasingly polished. Search for the retailer manually instead of clicking ads.
• Use Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards: Credit cards offer stronger fraud protections.
• Watch for Fake Delivery Notices: 77% of Black Friday emails last year were scams. Always verify tracking numbers on official sites.

👉 For more tips, check out PCMag’s holiday scam safety guide and the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s safe shopping toolkit.

📈 The Rise of AI-Powered Scams

In 2025, scammers are using generative AI to create flawless fake websites, counterfeit reviews, and even deepfake celebrity endorsements. These scams are harder to spot than ever. Remember: seeing is no longer believing.

👉 Read more about AI-driven fraud in GovFacts’ 2025 holiday scam guide.

🦃 Gratitude and Vigilance

At Assumed, our mission goes beyond monitoring data leaks—we’re committed to empowering you with the knowledge to protect your digital identity. This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on blessings, let’s also commit to being mindful and vigilant in our online endeavors.

The 7 essential holiday shopping safety tips:

1. Be selective about where and how you share your personal information.
2. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider a password manager.
3. Be especially wary of unsolicited emails or messages that play on the urgency and excitement of holiday sales.
4. Verify Retailer Authenticity: Stick to reputable and known retailers. If you’re exploring a new online store, do a quick background check for reviews, contact information and legitimacy.
5. Secure Connections are a Must: Always ensure you’re on a secure connection (look for https:// in the web address) when making online transactions.
6. Monitor Your Accounts: Monitor bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity, especially after making several online purchases.
7. Think Before You Click: Phishing scams are rampant during holidays. Be cautious of emails or ads that require immediate action or personal information.

At Assumed, our commitment extends beyond just monitoring data leaks; we’re dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge to protect your digital identity. This Thanksgiving, as we express our gratitude for the past year’s blessings, let’s also commit to being mindful and vigilant in our online endeavors.

Here’s to a joyful, safe, and secure holiday season. May your celebrations be filled with warmth, laughter, and peace of mind.